University vice-chancellors lead delegation to Brussels

13 April 2015

Rollup Image

​A delegation of over 50 university leaders are meeting with European policy-makers and influencers in Brussels today to discuss important European Union (EU) policy developments that will affect UK universities.

The university leaders will be seeking dialogue on a range of EU policy areas in various meetings throughout the day. These include calling for a reversal of the proposed cuts to Horizon 2020 to finance the European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI). UK universities are also proposing a formal guarantee that an adequate proportion of EFSI funding is channelled directly into research and innovation and that funding to research and innovation projects will be allocated competitively and on the basis of excellence.

Professor Sir Steve Smith, Vice Chancellor of the University of Exeter and Chair of the Universities UK International Policy Network, said: “EU research funding enables UK universities to pursue large scale, high-impact transnational research projects which stimulate direct foreign investment and contribute to growth and competitiveness in the UK and the EU.

“This is the largest single delegation of UK vice-chancellors travelling outside the UK highlighting the significance of this gathering and the fundamental importance of successful and sustainable engagement with the EU.

“It is of fundamental importance that long-term and reliable EU research funding is protected and prioritised. The UK should play a leadership role in policy development and ensuring sustainable EU investment in this area.”

Key Contacts

Blog

Professor Sir David Greenaway, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nottingham, says it is worth reflecting on what EU membership means for the UK – and what a decision to leave would mean for many walks of life, including universities.

​ Dame Julia Goodfellow, President of Universities UK said: 'Leaving the EU will create significant challenges for universities. Although this is not an outcome that we wished or campaigned for, we respect the decision of the UK electorate.'